Manager of Technical Research

Global Insight

Engine Analyst

Global Insight

Auto Analyst

Global Insight

Most automakers will have some application of stop-start technology by 2016, said Paul Lacy, manager of technical research at advisory firm IHS Automotive, as they respond to consumer demand for fuel-efficiency, and tough new emissions standards.

Paul Lacy, an auto analyst with the consulting firm Global Insight, said he was surprised to hear that customers will need to be trained, since most buyers are going to expect that the car will be much like the traditional ones they've driven.

"It's almost a whole new world for the average consumer," he said.

He said it's clear that GM has many hurdles to clear before 2010, such as the environmental and logistical issues of charging the cars.He said that to be successful, GM would need to work on developing a public grid to handle it.

Still, Lacy said he's convinced the Volt will arrive on time, though it could be minuscule in volume.

"The work they're doing is very impressive," he said."They've put a great deal ... into making a viable, volume-capable product," he said.

"There's no silver bullet, so instead, each automaker will adopt a specific technology that's best suited to the vehicle based on its size, weight and performance consumers expect," says Paul Lacy, manager of technical research for the consulting firm, Global Insight.

"There's always concern about V-8 engines and how they're going to fare in the long run," said Paul Lacy, an engine analyst for Global Insight Inc."But for the Hemi, I don't think you're going to see a whole lot of dipping for future production."

Global Insight is forecasting 516,000 Hemi engines to be built this year, which is the same as 2005.But production is projected to dip to 495,000 Hemi engines in 2007.

"They are taking a stab at doing something that no one else has really had the guts to do, and yet they are changing the very virtue of what the pickup is perceived to be," say Paul Lacy of IHS Automotive.